Sam Altman Opposes Pre-Launch AI Approval Rules

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will urge U.S. lawmakers not to require federal approval before AI models are released to the public. He is pressing Congress to increase funding for AI testing at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Altman wants this testing effort expanded to include experts in cybersecurity, biological threats, and national security. He framed this request as preferring model evaluation capacity over a formal licensing or pre-clearance regime. House Speaker Mike Johnson described his meeting with Altman as "very good, productive." U.S. officials have also discussed taking financial stakes in AI companies. OpenAI is preparing a confidential IPO filing, which adds context to these regulatory discussions. This debate highlights the ongoing conversation around how to regulate rapidly developing AI technology.